Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., proposed legislation to designate the Pride flag as a congressionally authorized symbol, granting it the same federal protections as the U.S. flag.
The proposal aims to reverse the Trump administration’s removal of the Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument, the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ movement. A federal directive currently limits flags flown on National Park sites, including Stonewall, to official flags such as the U.S. flag and military flags.
“All government agencies follow longstanding federal flag policy that has been in place for decades,” a Department of the Interior spokesperson said when asked why the Pride flag was removed. “The United States Flag Code and the General Services Administration 41 CFR 102-74.415 give guidance regarding the display of flags on government flagpoles. Recent adjustments to flag displays at the monument were made to ensure consistency with federal guidance.”
New York officials re-raised the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument on Feb. 12.
Lawmakers and community leaders argue that the legislation would protect LGBTQ+ history and visibility from political shifts, sending a message that their dignity and legacy cannot be stripped away.
Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., will introduce the bill in the House.
